USC coach Michael Cooper reprimanded

Well, it’s hardly a slap on the wrist. We’ll call it a mere finger wagging of “no-no.” Still, Southern California coach Michael Cooper was publicly reprimanded for his opening comments of “[Bleep] UCLA” after his team won on Sunday.
Cooper’s words had more fire than Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott, however. In fact, I’m not sure why Scott bothered to issue a statement, aside from possible heat from UCLA fans.
The coach, possibly getting the final dig from a weekend of barbs between the two schools from football to men’s basketball, cursed to a gathering of players and media in postgame interviews, who simply giggled. No one even really questioned him on why that was his word of choice, but it sparked ire across the internet.
Two days later, Cooper wrote an apology to UCLA coach Nikki Caldwell. She hasn’t commented on the cursing or apology.
“There is no excuse for it,” Cooper wrote. “I realize it is outside the bounds of good sportsmanship.”
Darn skippy. But shouldn’t some money have to be placed on the table? Not that kind of money, USC, I’m talking a good old-fashioned fine that could be donated to relief in Haiti. Anything more than this shuffling of paper from downtown to Westwood.USC plays Washington tonight at Hec Ed. UCLA pays a visit on Saturday.Here’s Scott’s full statement:“The Pacific-10 Conference expects the highest standards of sportsmanship from all participants, including coaches. All coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect credit on their institution and the Conference, and create a positive environment in which to conduct competition.”

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Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!" You can email Jayda or follow her on Twitter.